Abstract: Integral ecology broadens the scope of traditional ecology by incorporating social, cultural, political, economic, and spiritual dimensions into a holistic understanding of the physical and biological aspects of the environment. An environment exists in a physical location and is inherently spatial. Maps spatially visualize physical locations. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has transformed maps from static Cartesian planes into dynamic tools for understanding existing conditions, running spatial analyses and scenario models, and creating blueprints for the future. The kind of modeling that GIS enables is applicable not just to physical objects, but also to social structures, economic systems, societies, and cultural artifacts – things that have no explicit presence geographically but are manifested spatially in subtle or abstract ways revealed by observation, contemplation, and a deeper understanding of relationships.
Geodesign provides a framework that integrates GIS technology, scientifically grounded modeling, and community-driven design practices to enable the implementation of holistic solutions that are capable of addressing interrelated environmental, social, and spiritual challenges. This work demonstrates how the Geodesign Framework has been used to bring to fruition some of the actions proposed in Laudato Si’ and the importance of a geospatial perspective in understanding what integral ecology is and how to live it.